Loan TermsThe interest rate is set by VA. The length of the loan is usually 30 years with payments due monthly. The length of the loan is usually 30 years with payments due monthly.

The maximum loan amount is the same as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (also known as “Freddie Mac”) single-family conforming loan limit. That limit is currently $417,000 for loans made on Federal Trust land located in the 48 contiguous States and $625,000 for loans made on Federal Trust land in Alaska, Hawaii, and the South Pacific. Increases in these loan limits will be published annually, based upon the annual adjustment in the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit.

There must be a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the tribe and VA. The veteran or the veteran’s spouse must be recognized as Native American subject to the jurisdiction of the tribe which controls land. The tribe must be Federally-recognized, and the home must on Federal trust land.

Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans (IRRRLs) may only be done if prior loan was a NADL and there is at least 1% difference in existing loan rate and IRRRL rate.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process The tribe must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with VA and provide VA with copies of lease to be used (if tribal trust land) and tribal foreclosure ordinances. Veteran completes application, with VA’s assistance, if necessary, and submits application to VA. If approved, VA schedules closing at veteran’s convenience. If it’s a construction loan, VA makes staged disbursements, through escrow account, to builder. Funds are disbursed upon approved progress inspections. More information on this may be found at http://www.homeloans.va.gov, including copies of model MOUs, leases, & foreclosure ordinances.

You must meet basic program requirements, including the following:

The loan must be for the home you will live in.

The home must appraise for the loan amount or higher.

You must have enough income to meet your monthly mortgage payments, maintain the home, take care of other debts and obligations, and still have enough money left over to cover day to day expenses (food, gas, etc.)